Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History
Shape the Future as a History Major
Discover how past and present societies constructed the modern world with a Bachelor of Arts in History at San José State University.
Examine the political, social, cultural and economic contexts of civilizations from the past to the present. While completing a BA in History, you’ll refine your research expertise and connect historical themes to current events.
Our curriculum provides a balanced perspective of both global and U.S. narratives. This broad foundation prepares you for active roles in education, government, law, journalism and business. By graduation, you’ll be equipped to champion cultural preservation for future generations and guide tomorrow’s progress.
Why Major in History at SJSU?
San José State University is where Spartan grit meets cultural discovery. With a 150-year legacy of excellence, our Department of History supports you along your path to success. In SJSU’s bachelor’s in history program, you benefit from:
- An expansive, multi-era curriculum that explores everything from medieval worlds and global movements to U.S. history and California’s storied past.
- Accomplished faculty members who are skilled researchers and leaders in the field of history.
- Student groups, such as the History Club and National History Honor Society, that provide dedicated spaces for intellectual and social conversations.
- Access to generous, department-exclusive scholarships to lower the cost of upper-division course work.
- A solid foundation for a Master of Arts in History at San José State University that allows you to transition into the graduate program seamlessly.
Explore SJSU's achievements and how they shape your education.
What You’ll Learn
Begin an immersive, research-driven academic experience that expands your worldview. As a history major at SJSU, you’ll fulfill general education requirements and take a total of 50 units for your major.
Prerequisite classes cover history fundamentals, writing and historiography, while upper-division classes [pdf] span pre-1750 history to the present day. Our curriculum equips you for professional roles in the workforce or continued study in graduate school.
While completing a BA in History, learn how to:
- Connect regional and global events to understand how political, cultural, social and economic developments influence our modern world.
- Craft clear, persuasive essays that translate complex research into compelling arguments for diverse audiences.
- Evaluate historical data and synthesize evidence from a variety of sources.
- Examine bias and develop critical thinking skills that separate fact from fiction for both past and current events.
Learning Outcomes
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in history, you’ll be ready to:
- Describe and explain how societies evolved over time and space while demonstrating the importance of social, political, economic, environmental and technological context.
- Illustrate the complexity of historical causality and interpret past events from a diverse and multicultural standpoint.
- Analyze the credibility of historical sources and arguments and revise interpretations as new evidence emerges.
- Conceive and execute historical research and construct persuasive, evidence-based arguments using primary and secondary sources that meet recognized standards of the historical discipline.
Careers for History Majors
A BA in History offers exceptional career versatility, allowing you to choose your own path. After refining your research expertise and persuasive communication skills, you can pursue roles in law, journalism, conservation, marketing, education, business or government institutions. You can also use your degree as a stepping stone for law school and other graduate-level programs.
As a history major, you cultivate the expertise required for positions like:
- History teacher
- Archivist
- Museum curator
- Investigative journalist
- Business executive
- Attorney
Where SJSU’s Alumni Work
A bachelor’s degree in history from SJSU, California’s oldest public institution, has a reputation for academic excellence. Spartans use their research skills and extensive knowledge to pursue influential careers across numerous industries.
SJSU alumni have gone on to work with:
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History Program Admissions
Ready to take the next step toward earning your BA in History? First, you need to gain admission to San José State University. Then, meet with an Undergraduate History Advisor to declare your major or history minor.
Select your student type to review specific admission requirements and application instructions:
- Freshman Admissions
- Transfer Admissions
- International Freshman Admissions
- International Transfer Admissions
Undergraduate Admissions Deadlines
Fall Semester
- The application window for first-year and transfer students runs from Aug. 1 to Dec. 1.
- The application window for international first-year and transfer students runs from Aug. 1 to April 1.
Spring Semester
- The application window for transfer students runs from July 1 to Aug. 31.
- The application window for international first-year and transfer students runs from July 1 to Sept. 30.
Financial Aid
Invest in your future at SJSU. Achieve your academic and professional goals with practical support and resources from our Financial Aid and Scholarship Office.
From finding scholarships and grants to submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), our team helps you understand how you can fund your bachelor’s in history with confidence.
The Department of History is also proud to offer exclusive scholarships for upper-division students. For questions regarding applications, please contact the department via email at history@sjsu.edu.
Gain Global Perspective With a History Degree
At San José State University, a Bachelor of Arts in History helps you develop a nuanced understanding of the world through hands-on research and rigorous academic preparation. It’s time to immerse yourself in the study of our shared past and lead our collective future.
Apply now and take the next step toward becoming a Spartan, or schedule a pre-admission appointment with our team to get started.
